Search Results (76)

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of 926 scientific publications on Argania spinosa, representing the first investigation covering all aspects of the argan tree. By combining bibliometric performance indicators and scientific mapping, based on commonly used approaches in previous studies, the analysis examines the evolution, structure, and gaps in argan-related research. The results reveal that scientific production accelerated after 1996 during an industrial exploitation period, driven by the emergence of women’s cooperatives, international certifications, and national development programs. Morocco dominates the argan research landscape, benefiting from targeted policy support, international collaborations, and the species’ endemic status. Two major research aspects were identified: the valuation of argan oil, focusing on its chemical and therapeutic properties; and ecological restoration, encompassing genetic diversity, reforestation practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite these advancements, critical gaps remain in operational reforestation, assisted migration, post-plantation monitoring, and the integration of ecological modeling. Research remains skewed toward oil valuation, with insufficient attention to long-term forest sustainability under climate change. Future efforts should adopt a multidisciplinary framework that integrates genomics, nursery innovation, biotechnology, molecular genetics, digital monitoring tools, and socio-institutional governance. Research should also emphasize optimizing by-product use, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting gender-equitable, community-based forest management. Full article

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is an ambitious initiative by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to tackle land degradation. Inspired by the “no net loss” concept, LDN seeks to counterbalance unavoidable land degradation—primarily driven by food systems—through targeted regenerative actions at multiple scales—such as regenerative agriculture or grazing practices that simultaneously support production and preserve land fertility. The objective is to ensure that degradation does not surpass the 2015 baseline. While the UNCCD’s Science–Policy Interface provides guidance and the LDN Target Setting Programme has led many countries to define baselines using agreed indicators (soil organic carbon, land use change, and primary productivity), concrete intervention strategies often remain poorly defined. Moreover, the voluntary nature of LDN has limited its effectiveness. A key shortcoming is the lack of integrated planning. LDN should function as a “Plan of Plans”—a coordinating framework to align policies across sectors and scales, reconciling conflicting agendas in areas such as food, energy, and water. To this end, we advocate for a systemic approach to uncover synergies, manage trade-offs, and guide decision-making in complex socio-ecological landscapes. Land degradation is intricately linked to issues such as food insecurity, land acquisitions, and transboundary water stress. Although LDN is implemented at the national level, its success also depends on accounting for global dynamics—particularly “LDN leaks”, where land degradation is outsourced through international trade in food and raw materials. In an increasingly complex world shaped by globalization, resource depletion, and unpredictable system dynamics, effective responses demand an integrated socio-ecological management approach. LDN is not simply a strategy to address desertification. It offers a comprehensive framework for sustainable resource management, enabling the balancing of trade-offs and the promotion of long-term resilience. Full article

The border effect on heritage protection, shaped by historical and physical factors, contributes to the formation of socio-territorial systems, particularly in relation to productive landscapes. This study focuses on the Portuguese–Spanish border between Andalusia and Extremadura, a region where inter-regional dynamics mirror international tensions due to the coexistence of differing legislative frameworks. The area is characterized by shared agricultural and ecological systems and fragmented transport networks, which complicate territorial integration. Methodologically, the study involves a selection of seven municipalities based on demographic vulnerability and rural identity, followed by historical and spatial analysis using legal sources, historical dictionaries, and digital platforms for heritage mapping. One of the key components was the identification and documentation of historical mills linked to the Ardilla River and its tributaries, using a combination of official heritage databases and user-generated platforms like Wikiloc and local websites. The twenty-one mills found highlight a significant presence of unprotected yet generally well-preserved mills that exemplify the agricultural and industrial legacy of the region. These assets, often overlooked in formal inventories, underline the potential for cross-border heritage recognition and call for a rethinking of protection strategies through the lens of cultural landscapes and community engagement. Full article

The abandonment of farmland in Europe is a significant issue due to its environmental, socio-economic, and landscape consequences. This tendency mainly impacts marginal and inner areas, located far from large urban districts, because of biophysical and/or socio-economic factors. Although European and national regulations try to turn the fragility of these territories into an opportunity for sustainable development, many of these areas, especially in southern Europe, continue to suffer socio-economic disparities. For this reason, it is necessary to consider regional and district-wide initiatives that can economically revitalize marginal areas while safeguarding their natural capital. Alternative cropping systems, capable of optimizing the quality of some food crops, can play an essential role in the economic development of populations living in marginal areas. These areas, represented by inland zones often abandoned due to the difficulty of applying mechanized agriculture, can represent an opportunity to rediscover sustainable and profitable practices. Among the high-value crops, saffron (Crocus sativus L.), “red gold” and “king of spices”, stands out for its potential. Indeed, thanks to the use of tuff tubs, a more eco-sustainable choice compared to the plastic pots already mentioned in the literature, it is possible to improve the quality of this spice. Furthermore, Crocus sativus L. not only lends itself to multiple uses but also represents a valid opportunity to supplement agricultural income. This is made possible by its high profitability and beneficial properties for human health, offering a way to diversify agricultural production with positive economic and social impacts. It is known that the saffron market in Italy suffers from competition from developing countries (Iran, Morocco, India) capable of producing saffron at lower costs than European countries, thanks to the lower cost of labor. Therefore, this study seeks to identify marginal areas that can be recovered and valorized through an eco-sustainable cultivation system with the potential to enhance the quality of this spice, making it unique and resilient to competition. Specifically, this paper is organized on a dual scale of investigation: (a) at the local level to demonstrate the economic-ecological feasibility of saffron cultivation through the adoption of an alternative farming technique on an experimental site located in Tricarico (Basilicata—Southern Italy, 40°37′ N, 16°09′ E; 472 m. a.s.l.) that, although fertile, is not suitable for mechanized cropping systems; (b) at the regional level through a spatially explicit land suitability analysis to indicate the possible location where to export saffron cultivation. The final map, obtained by combining geo-environmental variables, can be considered a precious tool to support policymakers and farmers to foster a broad agricultural strategy founded on new crop management systems. The adoption of this alternative agroecological system could optimize the use of land resources in the perspective of increasing crop productivity and profitability in marginal agricultural areas. Full article

This study explores how traditional ecological knowledge in Chile can contribute to adaptation strategies within increasingly complex socio-ecological landscapes. It addresses the need for innovative approaches to knowledge production and application in the face of climate change and related crises. Through an exploratory, multi-sited qualitative methodology—integrating ethnographic observation, participatory methods, and in-depth interviews across various regions—this research identifies patterns, contrasts, and synergies in TEK practices related to water management, agroecology, community resource governance, and cultural heritage. The results show that TEK is not a static repository but rather a set of dynamic and adaptive practices and understandings shaped over centuries of interaction with heterogeneous environments. Although pressures such as migration, industrialization, resource privatization, and climatic threats endanger its continuity, TEK demonstrates the ability to integrate with scientific and political frameworks, enabling culturally relevant adaptation driven by local communities. These findings highlight the relevance of relational and transdisciplinary approaches to reduce epistemic gaps, foster cooperation, and guide more equitable, multi-level environmental governance. In conclusion, strengthening TEK’s role—through supportive policies, collaborative research, and inclusive dialogues—can enhance resilience, guide sustainable transitions, and enrich global adaptation strategies that respect local contexts and cultural diversity, thereby advancing progress toward the SDGs. Full article

The need to increase agricultural production for food, fiber, and feed for a growing population is a global call. Sub-Saharan Africa currently experiences declining soil fertility and increasing pest pressures affecting agricultural production. Soil fertility and pest management practices tend to vary greatly among smallholder farmers due to farm-based limitations, attitudes, and perceptions. Using focus group discussions and individual farmer interviews, we evaluated the socio-economic factors influencing the production and utilization of nutrient resources by smallholder farmers. We also assessed factors for pest prevalence and management by smallholder farmers. We observed that the major organic nutrient fertilizer resources used by farmers are farmyard manure and crop residue recycling. The production and utilization of organic nutrient fertilizer resources vary according to agroecological zone, influenced by livestock ownership, grazing management, and farmer organization; Farmer Research Network farmers show optimal use of nutrient resources compared to non-Farmer Research Network farmers. Pest problems varied across agroecologies and were influenced by field management gradients. We noted that FRN farmers used ecologically relevant pest management approaches more frequently than non-FRN farmers. Our findings on nutrient resources and pest management highlight context-specific issues to leverage to promote agroecological approaches for agricultural productivity and resilient semi-arid landscapes. Full article

Among the land use–land cover products, tree cover maps are essential tools for assessing forest functionality and ecosystem services, and implementing sustainable forest management. By combining open-source and ancillary high-resolution cartographic datasets, this study aims to map trees and forests in the Latium region in central Italy, highlighting their spatial configuration, function, and forest typology. The main findings show that trees cover 44.2% of the regional land area. Forests cover 508,056 ha, forming the core matrix of the Latium mountain landscape, providing significant ecological and socio-economic value for forest management and the regional wood supply chain. Although trees outside the forest represent only 3.1% of regional tree cover, they play a crucial role in enhancing ecological connectivity and landscape resilience. Approximately 2% of the tree and forest cover occurs in urban areas, contributing significantly to climate regulation and air quality in densely populated environments. The dominant forest types in Lazio include Turkey oak, temperate broadleaf, beech, downy oak, and Holm oak, which together account for 58.6% of the total tree cover. The accuracy tests confirm the feasibility of using open-source data for reliable, cost-effective forest mapping. Regular updates of these maps can support continuous monitoring and promote sustainable forest management practices. Full article

This study investigates the Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) windbreak landscapes on Iriomote Island through case studies in two of its oldest villages, Sonai and Hoshitate. These windbreak forests, integral to the cultural landscape of Okinawa, offer both ecological and socio-economic benefits. Using field measurements and surveys, the research analyzes the distribution, growth patterns, and historical significance of Fukugi groves within the village setting and compares naturally regenerated forests with those planted by humans. The findings underscore the importance of Fukugi trees in promoting sustainable rural landscapes, where they dominate the local ecosystem of rural settlements. Fukugi windbreak landscapes in Okinawa are characterized by trees encircling homes on all four sides, distinguishing them from homestead windbreaks found in other regions of Japan. Surveys from the two villages suggest that the original homestead windbreak forests in the Yaeyama region contain a diverse mix of tree species, with Fukugi and Calophyllum inophyllum being predominant, along with other useful species like Diospyros ferrea and Podocarpus macrophyllus. These species were selected not only for their windbreak capabilities but also for timber and home furniture production. The study’s findings on naturally regenerated Fukugi groups support the hypothesis that the cultivation of Fukugi as a windbreak species originated in the Yaeyama region and likely spread to other parts of Okinawa, influencing both the ecological and cultural evolution of the region’s landscapes. Full article

This ethnobotanical study examines the traditional knowledge and usage patterns of wild plants in the western Alps, specifically within the Ubaye and Bellino Valleys, through a comparative analysis of data collected from 1983 (published in 1990) to 2024. Our study aims to assess the change in plant usage, species diversity, and the changing roles of plants in local traditions in the western Alpine mountain ecosystems. While the 1983 survey documented medicinal uses centered around pastoralist practices, the 2024 data highlight a notable increase in the use of synanthropic plants, now utilized both medicinally and as food. Several species such as Allium sativum, Artemisia absinthium, and Urtica dioica have shown resilience and continuity in local cultural practices, maintaining medicinal, culinary, and ritual significance across the four decades. The 1983 survey documented the greatest variety of species (101), a number that decreased in subsequent studies. The 2009 survey identified 36 species not previously recorded in 1983, and the 2024 field study noted an additional 20 species. The study highlights the economic potential of several wild species in these alpine areas, such as Achillea, Artemisia, Verbascum, Veronica, Viola, Polygonum, Bunium, and Sorbus spp., which could be utilized for creating new herbal teas, artisanal beers, liqueurs, ice creams, sweets, and seasoned food products. Expanding the uses of these plants could not only preserve ethnobotanical knowledge but also stimulate local economies and support sustainable development in alpine communities. The documented temporal shifts in plant usage reflect broader cultural, ecological, and socio-economic changes, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge amidst ongoing environmental and societal shifts. This study underlines the need to conserve ethnobotanical heritage while adapting to the evolving landscape of the region. Future research could focus on exploring the role of these species in broader sustainability initiatives, including conservation strategies, ecosystem services, and community-based tourism while continuing to document the cultural dynamics influencing plant usage. Full article

The spread of Xylella fastidiosa since 2013 in the Mediterranean olive groves of the Apulia region has modified the landscape. The aims of this research are focused on the analysis of its effects on the following: (1) Landscape multifunctionality supported by olive groves in terms of landscape service provision; (2) The functional relations among the main Mediterranean land covers in terms of landscape service supply and demand. (3) The landscape fragmentation at different spatial scales. The landscape has completely changed, mainly in those land covers that, in the past, acted as stabilizing factors (croplands and olive groves), which has been replaced by grasslands in 2021. The main effects of Xylella fastidiosa were on the multifunctionality of olive grove landscape in terms of food production, water regulation, carbon sequestration, and pollination, as well as on landscape cultural value. Ecosystem service supply is mainly related to olive groves, tree covers, shrublands, and wetlands. The province of Lecce showed the highest fragmentation, as demonstrated by the number of patches, the mean patch area, and the DIVISION metric, while the province of Brindisi was the least fragmented, with a DIVISION metric similar in 2011 and in 2021. The multiscale assessment of “olive groves” fragmentation has helped in better analyzing the effect of its spatial configuration on the provision of landscape services and in identifying the right spatial scale for each landscape service provision. It is essential to analyze landscape service flow to enlarge the understanding of the ways in which their supply is maintained through a landscape regeneration policy toward the socio-economic–ecological recovery. Full article

Climate and land use change pressures are critical to food production in Social-Ecological Systems (SESs). This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of the pressures of climate and land use changes alongside their impacts on food production in Mhahakanumulla Village Tank Cascade System (MVTCS), a SES maintained by traditional agricultural land use systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This study used both rating and ranking scale questions to quantify farmers’ perceptions. The tobit regression model was employed to evaluate how farmer perception was influenced by socio-economic factors. The results showed that most of the farmers had experienced that the climate of the MVTCS area had changed over time, and they perceived variability of rainfall patterns as the most prominent and influential climate change. The increased cost of production, wildlife damage, and land degradation were ranked by the farmers as the most impactful factors of food production due to climate change. The farmers rated deforestation and land clearing as the most influential and impactful changes in land use, while wildlife damage and land degradation ranked as the highest impacts on food production due to land use changes. Among the socio-economic determinants, training and income/profit positively influenced farmer perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. The level of farmer’s adaptation to climate change had a negative association with their perception of the severity of climate change. Household size negatively influenced the perceptions of the severity of climate change while positively influencing perceptions of land use change impacts. Among the spatial determinants, farm size and downstream locations of MVTCS positively influenced perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. Thus, the effectiveness of adaptation strategies towards climate and land use change pressures depends on how well they are understood by the farmers. The study findings provide helpful insights for formulating localized land use policies and climate change adaptation strategies in these globally important landscapes with a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Full article

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors and urban planning levels. However, the diversity and impact of introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in the natural functioning and stability of ecosystems), particularly in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The objective was to analyze the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens. Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, and residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) were chosen to represent the diversity within each neighborhood, and stratified random sampling of plots was conducted to analyze gardening practices. Gardens were classified into types, and their vegetation was evaluated based on species origin and ecological impact. The analysis of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential neighborhoods exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m²), higher species richness (22 species), and larger plot sizes (1032 m²) compared to unplanned and planned neighborhoods, where garden areas and species richness are notably lower. Rectangular gardens dominate in unplanned areas, while planned neighborhoods feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds and hedges. The use of gardens for food production is prominent in planned areas (40.7%), whereas residential neighborhoods prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with a predominance of exotic species (80%) in all neighborhoods, particularly in unplanned areas (82.25%). The data revealed that Mangifera indica and Persea americana are abundant in all neighborhoods, illustrating their adaptability to different urban contexts. Herbaceous species are most common, followed by woody plants, with vines being sparse. Species dispersal is primarily driven by human activities (anthropochory), accounting for over 85% in all neighborhoods. These findings highlight the strong human influence on the composition and structure of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi, emphasizing the dominance of exotic species and the importance of anthropogenic factors in shaping urban green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies to minimize the negative impacts of exotic species on native flora. Full article

Rapid urbanization and land-use changes may affect the intensity of urban heat islands (UHIs). However, research on the eastern Chinese city of Yangzhou is lacking. Using land cover data and the InVest Urban Cooling model, this study evaluated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the UHI effect from 1990 to 2020 and its socioecological drivers in Yangzhou City. Landscape pattern indices such as patch area (CA), percentage of landscape (PLAND), number of patches, patch density, and aggregation index were created using Fragstats 4.2 software. Several social indicators, such as gross domestic product (GDP), night-light index, and population density, were considered to explore their correlation with UHI indicators. During the past three decades, rapid urbanization in Yangzhou has intensified the UHI effect, with the cooling capacity (cc park) and heat mitigation index (HMI) decreasing by ~9.6%; however, the mixed air temperature (T air) has increased by 0.14 °C. The main heat island areas are concentrated in southern Yangzhou, including the Hanjiang and Guangling districts, and have expanded over time. T air was positively correlated with GDP, night-light index, and population density. Moreover, for the impervious land use type, cc park and HMI were negatively correlated with CA and PLAND (p < 0.01). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of UHIs and provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers striving to create sustainable and climate-resilient cities in Yangzhou. Full article

To document the dynamics of biocultural heritage, we studied traditional uses of plants on a segment of the Andean Road System, or Qhapaq Ñan, within the central Andes of Ecuador, home of the Kichwa community of Nizag. Here, residents preserved a rich diversity of plants within their agricultural fields, or chakra, of the Andean landscapes, upholding a culture steeped in traditional knowledge. Wild and domesticated plants are a cornerstone for the community, prompting the development of ethnobotanical management strategies with a conservation approach. The diverse plant uses aim to revalue their culture, fortify their self-identification as an indigenous community, and ensure the transmission of ancestral knowledge. This research aims to ascertain the ethnobotanical applications of this venerable community. Employing participatory action research, semistructured interviews were conducted with 43 community informants to gather ethnobotanical data on the flora applied within their territory, spanning categories such as food, agriculture, crafts, living fences, construction, fuel, ornamental, environmental, technological, and medicinal services. The findings indicate that age, rather than educational level and gender, significantly influences the variation in plant usage knowledge. In total, 142 plant species were cataloged, comprising herbs (58%), shrubs (23%), trees (15%), and climbers (4%). The most represented families were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae. Notably, 96% of these species provide some type of environmental service or fulfill a niche within the socioecological system. Medicinal uses were reported for 89% of the plants, while 56% served agricultural purposes, primarily in fertilizer production and forage. Additionally, 44% of the plants are utilized as food, typically consumed fresh. Among the medicinal plants, leaves are the most used part (58%), prepared as infusions and poultices. The prevalent ailments addressed include respiratory and urinary system conditions, with Borago officinalis, Carica pentagona, Vasconcellea pubescens, and Origanum mejorana being the most frequently employed plants. Full article

The functional structure of territorial space is an important factor for analyzing the interaction between humans and nature. However, the classification of remote sensing images struggles to distinguish between multiple functions provided by the same land use type. Therefore, we propose a framework to combine multi-source data for the recognition of dominant functions at the block level. Taking the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, its block-level ‘production–living–ecology’ functions were interpreted. The whole GBA was first divided into different blocks and its total, average, and proportional functional intensities were then calculated. Each block was labeled as a functional type considering the attributes of human activity and social information. The results show that the combination of land use/cover data, point of interest identification, and open street maps can efficiently separate the multiple and mixed functions of the same land use types. There is a great difference in the dominant functions of the cities in the GBA, and the spatial heterogeneity of their mixed functions is closely related to the development of their land resources and socio-economy. This provides a new perspective for recognizing the spatial structure of territorial space and can give important data for regulating and optimizing landscape patterns during sustainable development. Full article